A ‘RARE’ watercolour painting of Lewes Castle is set to go under the hammer.

The early watercolour artwork is set to be auctioned at Cheffins Auction House in Cambridge on September 29 to 30.

The painting is believed to date back to as early as 1770.

The artwork depicts Lewes Castle from the north, with the spire of St Michael’s Church visible to the right.

It was painted by a follower of Paul Sandby, who was a founder member of the Royal Academy and is known as the father of English watercolour.

The painting has an estimated sale price of £600 to £800 and will be sold as part of The Fine Sale at Cheffins later this month.

Patricia Durdikova, of Cheffins Auction House, said the artwork is a “rare” find.

“This rare and early depiction of Lewes Castle has been consigned from the private collection of a Suffolk country house,” she said.

“It shows the area around the castle and possibly Castle Lane before the development of houses and the surrounding streets providing a window into the landscape of Lewes during the period.

“Early English watercolours of such subjects can be difficult to come by and we hope this picture will be of interest to collectors as well as the local residents of Lewes.”

Originally called Bray Castle, Lewes Castle was built in the late 11th century by William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey.

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